The new Youth Act passed by the People's Chamber of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) in 1974 assumes that the interests of young people concur with the interests of their socialist society and state, for it reforms the rights and conditions for the further development of young people and defines their duties and responsibilities in terms of State contributions. Consequently, a 10-year comprehensive polytechnical school is compulsory for all youth, and all citizens in responsible positions have the statutory duty to entrust young people with overall social tasks comparable to their knowledge/capabilities. In view of various sociological analyses indicating that improved material and cultural living conditions and practical experience in the socialist democracy are primary concerns of GDR youth, the State has provided on-going educational opportunities, cultural centers, a voting age of 18, socialist youth participation mechanisms, etc. While there are no fundamental features separating agricultural from other youth workers, sociological studies show agricultural youth attitudes include: a positive appreciation of their work; a direct correlation between their role in agriculture and the industrialization of agriculture; and a genuine desire to use the knowledge gained via their education. GDR agricultural emphasis is on training youth for modern machinery, responsible jobs, and management. (JC)